What is test ID in testing?

Answered by Robert Dupre

Test ID in testing refers to a unique identifier assigned to a specific test case or test scenario. It helps in distinguishing and organizing different tests within a testing process. The Test ID is typically composed of two parts: the test name or description represented by ‘N’ and the version number represented by ‘vv’ in a dot notation format.

The first part of the Test ID, ‘N’, represents the name or description of the test. This can be of any length, but it is recommended to keep it concise and descriptive. The purpose of the name is to provide a clear indication of what the test is intended to cover or achieve. For example, if we have a test to verify the login functionality of a web application, the ‘N’ part of the Test ID could be something like “Login Functionality Test”.

The second part of the Test ID, ‘vv’, represents the version number of the test. This two-digit number helps in tracking changes or updates made to a particular test over time. As the test evolves or undergoes modifications, the version number is incremented to reflect the changes. This allows testers to identify and differentiate between different versions of the same test. For instance, if we have made some modifications to the login functionality test mentioned earlier, the Test ID could be updated to “Login Functionality Test v2.0”.

Using Test IDs provides several benefits in the testing process. Firstly, it helps in organizing and categorizing tests, making it easier to locate and manage them within a test suite or repository. Test IDs also serve as an efficient means of communication between testers and other stakeholders involved in the testing process. By referring to a specific Test ID, testers can easily discuss and track the progress of a particular test with their team members or clients.

Furthermore, Test IDs facilitate traceability and documentation. When a bug or issue is identified during testing, the Test ID associated with the failed test can be referenced in bug reports or defect tracking systems. This ensures that the specific test case causing the issue can be easily identified and addressed by the development team.

In my personal experience, using Test IDs has been highly beneficial in managing and organizing testing efforts. It helps in maintaining clarity and ensuring that all tests are executed and tracked effectively. Test IDs have also proven to be valuable during regression testing, as they allow for easy identification of specific tests that need to be re-executed after changes are made to the system.

To summarize, a Test ID in testing is a unique identifier given to a specific test case or scenario. It consists of a test name or description (N) and a version number (vv). Test IDs aid in organizing, communicating, and tracking tests within a testing process, enhancing efficiency and traceability.